Ah, BBQs! There’s something magical about gathering with friends and family, the sun shining, and that smoky aroma wafting through the air. I can’t help but get excited when it’s grilling season! These easy-to-make BBQ side dishes truly elevate any meal. They’re refreshing, colorful, and packed with flavor—perfect for complementing those juicy burgers or smoky ribs. Trust me, you’ll love how effortlessly they come together. Whether you’re an experienced grill master or just starting, adding these sides to your spread will have everyone raving. So grab your mixing bowl, and let’s whip up some deliciousness that will take your BBQ to the next level!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful BBQ side dishes. I promise, the ingredients are simple and easy to find, making this a no-fuss recipe!
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen, your choice!)
- 2 cups coleslaw mix (pre-packaged is super convenient)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (feel free to use your favorite brand)
- 1/4 cup diced red onion (for that perfect crunch and flavor)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (adds a burst of freshness)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for a nice, smooth texture)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skimp on this—seasoning is key!)
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to creating a delicious side that everyone will love! Trust me, it’s worth the little effort to bring these flavors together.
How to Prepare BBQ Side Dishes
Getting these BBQ side dishes ready is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a vibrant and tasty addition to your grill fest in no time.
Step 1 – Combine Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl—this is where the magic happens! Toss in the corn kernels, coleslaw mix, and diced red onion. Give it a good stir to combine everything. You want those colors to pop and the flavors to mingle right from the start!
Step 2 – Add Sauces
Now, it’s time to add the fun part: the sauces! Pour in the barbecue sauce and drizzle in the olive oil. Mix it all together until every little piece of corn and cabbage is coated in that delicious BBQ goodness. You want to make sure it’s evenly distributed, so take your time with this step!
Step 3 – Seasoning
Next up, let’s bring out those flavors! Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. I always say, start with a little and add more if needed—taste as you go, my friend! This is where you can really make it your own.
Step 4 – Garnish
Now, for that fresh finishing touch! Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top. Not only does it look gorgeous, but it adds a nice burst of flavor that really elevates the dish. Trust me, you’ll want that bright green goodness!
Step 5 – Chill
Finally, let’s give it some time to chill out! Cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial because it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Plus, it tastes even better when it’s nice and cold, especially on a warm day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This BBQ side dish is not just easy to whip up; it’s also bursting with flavor and texture! Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:
- Quick preparation—ready in just 15 minutes, plus chilling time!
- Refreshing and crunchy, it perfectly complements any grilled dish.
- Vibrant colors make it a beautiful addition to your BBQ spread.
- Customizable—adjust the barbecue sauce to suit your taste!
- Vegetarian-friendly, so everyone can enjoy it!
- Can be made a day in advance, making your BBQ prep even easier.
Trust me, once you serve this delightful side, your guests will be asking for the recipe!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for this delicious BBQ side dish! Keep in mind, these numbers are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. But here’s what you can generally expect per serving:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
With these refreshing flavors and textures, you can enjoy a guilt-free side that pairs perfectly with all your grilled favorites. Happy grilling!
Tips for Success
To really make this BBQ side dish shine, I’ve got a few tried-and-true tips for you! Follow these, and you’ll be the star of your next cookout.
- Adjust the BBQ Sauce: Don’t be afraid to tweak the amount of barbecue sauce to match your taste. If you like it tangier, add a little more. For a sweeter touch, go easy on it and let the corn and coleslaw shine through.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to get creative! You can add diced bell peppers, jalapeños for a kick, or even some black beans for extra texture and nutrition. The sky’s the limit!
- Serve it Right: This dish is delicious both chilled and at room temperature, so don’t worry if it sits out a bit during your BBQ. Just make sure it’s not too hot outside to keep everything fresh.
- Pair with Grilled Favorites: Try serving this alongside grilled chicken, ribs, or veggie skewers. It complements smoky flavors perfectly and brings a refreshing crunch!
- Garnish Just Before Serving: If you’re prepping in advance, wait to add the cilantro until right before serving. This keeps it vibrant and fresh, adding that lovely green pop to your dish.
With these tips, you’ll create a side that not only tastes amazing but also impresses your guests. Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from this delicious BBQ side dish is super easy! Just make sure to transfer any uneaten portions into an airtight container. This will help keep all those fresh flavors intact. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember, the longer it sits, the more the flavors meld together—so it might actually taste even better the next day!
Now, if you find yourself with leftovers and you’re wondering about reheating, here’s the good news: this dish is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. So, there’s no need to fuss with reheating! Just take it out of the fridge, give it a gentle stir, and it’s ready to serve. If you do prefer it a bit warmer, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving, but honestly, I love it straight from the fridge!
So, go ahead and make a big batch—you’ll have a tasty side ready for your next meal or BBQ without any hassle!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these BBQ side dishes? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that might pop up:
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen corn works like a charm. Just make sure to thaw it first and drain any excess moisture to keep your dish from getting soggy.
What if I don’t have coleslaw mix?
No problem at all! You can easily substitute it with shredded cabbage and carrots. Just aim for that crunchy texture, and you’ll be good to go!
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember, the flavors will continue to meld together, so it might actually taste even better the next day!
Can I make this dish vegan?
Definitely! Just swap out the barbecue sauce for a vegan-friendly version, and you’re all set. This dish is naturally vegetarian, so you’re already on the right track!
How can I spice it up?
If you’re looking for a little heat, try adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the mix. You can also experiment with different types of barbecue sauce for varying spice levels and flavors!
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions. I’m always here to help you make the most of your BBQ side dishes!
Print
BBQ Side Dishes: 5 Delicious Recipes to Impress Guests
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make BBQ side dishes that complement your grilling.
Ingredients
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 2 cups coleslaw mix
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine corn kernels, coleslaw mix, and diced red onion.
- Add barbecue sauce and olive oil, mixing well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Adjust the amount of barbecue sauce to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: bbq side dishes
